Career and Education Opportunities for Astronomers in Wyoming

Wyoming has a population of 544,270, which has grown by 10.22% in the last 10 years. Nicknamed the "Equality State," Wyoming's capital and largest city is Cheyenne.

The national trend for astronomers sees this job pool growing by about 16.0% over the next eight years. Astronomers generally observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.

The average wage in the general category of Physical Sciences jobs is $28 per hour or $58,417 per year in Wyoming, and an average of $38 per hour or $78,733 per year nationwide. Jobs in this field include: space sciences director, astrophysicist, and astronomy department chair.

In 2008, there were a total of 404,855 jobs in Wyoming. The average annual income was $48,580 in 2008, up from $46,726 the previous year. The unemployment rate in Wyoming was 6.4% in 2009, which has grown by 3.2% since the previous year. Roughly 21.9% of Wyoming residents have college degrees, which is lower than the national average.

The top industries in Wyoming include mining, mining (except oil), and crude petroleum gas extraction. Notable tourist attractions include the Nelson Museum of the West, the Cowgirls of the West Museum & Gifts, and the Messenger Brothers Carriage Service.

CITIES WITH Astronomer OPPORTUNITIES IN Wyoming

JOB DESCRIPTION: Astronomer

Astronomer video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, astronomers observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.

Every day, astronomers are expected to be able to articulate ideas and problems. They need to read and understand documents and reports. It is also important that they write clearly and communicate well.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Wyoming include:

Atmospheric Scientist. Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

Chemist. Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or chemical experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist. Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, and other sources.

Geological Specialist. Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, and seismologists.

Hydrologist. Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Wyoming

Wyoming photo by David Jolley

Wyoming has a population of 544,270, which has grown by 10.22% in the last 10 years. Nicknamed the "Equality State," Wyoming's capital and most populous city is Cheyenne. In 2008, there were a total of 404,855 jobs in Wyoming. The average annual income was $48,580 in 2008, up from $46,726 in 2007. The unemployment rate in Wyoming was 6.4% in 2009, which has grown by 3.2% since the previous year. Roughly 21.9% of Wyoming residents have college degrees, which is lower than the national average.

The top industries in Wyoming include mining, mining (except oil), and crude petroleum gas extraction. Notable tourist destinations include the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, the Nelson Museum of the West, and the Union Pacific Historical Society.